When In Rome…
Don’t try to do everything – pick your top 3 favorites on your list and really enjoy them.
Always have plenty of cash when traveling overseas. Many countries don’t take credit cards everywhere.
Try to venture out of the usual tourist traps. Engage with the locals and find out what they like best about their home.
Stash your cash into 2 (or more) separate compartments. Make copies of your credit cards and passports. Keep all your important stuff in a day pack. You never know…
Splurge for the nonstop flights when possible.
Pack a large cotton scarf: it can serve as a wrap, beach towel, head cover or pillow in a jam.
Sunscreen, good walking shoes, basic medication, ear plugs and eye mask!
Pack half of what you think you will need.
Try the free walking tours in major cities with companies like Sandeman’s. https://www.neweuropetours.eu
Expect some things to go wrong, and learn how to have a sense of humor about it.
Don’t be the travel companion who complains about everything!
Use a travel APP like Tripit to keep all your travel details in one place.https://www.tripit.com/web/free
Don’t just rely on TripAdvisor or Expedia to plan your vacation. (although that is a good place to start). Read travel publications and blogs, and listen to podcasts. Buy guidebooks. Rick Steves is a favorite. https://www.ricksteves.com
Use public transportation in most places. It’s fast and affordable. Try the app Rome To Rio to figure out the duration and cost for any trip you want to take. It is amazing!! https://www.rome2rio.com
Award Travel Hacking
I’ve always been a little obsessed with optimizing my airline and hotel miles, so I’ve recently spent considerable time on a few airline mileage experts’ blogs (One Mile at a Time is a good one) and listening to podcasts (Condenast is full of information) Here’s a brief takeaway:
First, determine where you want to go in the future.
Use Google flights to see what the flights to your destination cost.
If you can get more than 2 cents per point in value, then use miles. Otherwise, pay cash.
Search 9-10 months in advance. Then again 10 days in advance.
Use a flexible, transferrable credit card to pay for everything you purchase, every day. Look for big sign up bonuses. Watch for promotions.
Chase Sapphire Preferred, Premier Rewards Gold AMX, Ink Business Preferred by Chase and Starwood Preferred Guest AMX are some of the best transferrable cards.
Sign up for loyalty programs for all airlines you might possibly use.
Stick to one hotel group and be loyal!
Earn and burn your points, don’t hold them. Programs get more restrictive over time, not less. Your points may lose value.
Computers may not always be right, and may not offer you many award options. Call and chat with customer service reps. Be very polite – they may find a way to get you what you want! If they say no, call back and try with another representative.
Focus on using your miles for international and premium travel – you’ll get more value for your points. Domestic economy is very restricted.
Be creative! Purchase gift cards to use later if you’re struggling to meet the deadline to earn a new credit card’s sign up bonus mileage.
Save time and let a travel concierge do all the work for you! Call Pathfinders for a free consultation.